Center for Entrepreneurs Alumni Network

Stay connected. Grow your network. Make an impact!

As a graduate of the Center for Entrepreneurs at Tri-C Corporate College® East, you are part of a vibrant and growing community of entrepreneurial thinkers and doers. The Alumni Network is your hub to connect with fellow alumni and the center and access resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey.

What the Alumni Network offers you:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of alumni from various industries and stages of business development through online platforms and in-person events. Expand your professional circle and forge valuable partnerships.
• Exclusive Events and Workshops: Access exclusive alumni events, workshops and guest speaker sessions designed to provide ongoing learning, insights and inspiration for your entrepreneurial ventures.
• Stay Informed: Receive updates on the latest news from the Center for Entrepreneurs, upcoming programs and opportunities relevant to our alumni network.
• Give Back and Mentor: Share your expertise and experience by connecting with current entrepreneurs through mentorship opportunities. Help shape the next generation of business leaders.

Get Involved!

• Join Our Online Community: Connect with fellow alumni on our dedicated LinkedIn Group.
• Attend Alumni Events: Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming networking mixers, workshops and more.
• Share Your Updates: Let us know what you're up to! Send us your news and achievements to be featured in future alumni communications at entrepreneur@tri-c.edu.

Upcoming Events!

Building Tomorrow's Businesses: A Kickoff to Small Business Week:

Join us on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at Corporate College East to kick off Small Business Week with U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown. Tri-C President Michael A. Baston and Brown will discuss advocacy for entrepreneurs and the Small Business Resource Fair coordinated by Brown. Register here.

Virtual Workshops

Virtual workshops are available throughout the year. Register here.

Nonprofit Leadership Track for Entrepreneurs, starting May 5, 2025:

The 40-hour Nonprofit Leadership course is a skills-based program designed to equip current and aspiring nonprofit leaders with essential tools for effective mission-driven leadership. The curriculum blends lectures, activities, case studies and projects, covering foundational and advanced nonprofit management topics. Register here.

Key areas of focus include:

• Foundation of a Nonprofit: Understanding nonprofits, identifying purpose and community needs, and crafting mission statements and business plans
• Legal Considerations, Risk and Operational Strategy: Nonprofit legal requirements, board governance, risk management, operational and staffing planning and business plan development
• Financial Strategy, Grant Writing and Fundraising: Financial literacy, diverse funding sources, advanced fundraising, filing for nonprofit status, grant writing and board engagement in fundraising.
• Community Engagement, Networking and Impact Measurement: Developing engagement strategies, impact measurement and storytelling, networking and resource sharing.

Mastering Basic Accounting for Better Business Finance, starting May 12:

This two-week course will equip small business owners with essential accounting and financial management skills. Through interactive discussions, real-world examples and hands-on exercises, entrepreneurs will gain the confidence to manage their finances, price products for profitability, and create sustainable financial plans. Register here.

Key areas of focus include:

• Accounting terms (revenue, expenses, profit, assets, liabilities and equity)
• Understanding the importance of financial literacy
• Analyzing financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement).

The course also covers:

• Cost accounting principles (fixed, variable, direct and indirect costs, contribution margin and break-even point)
• Developing effective pricing strategies (cost-plus, value-based and competitive)
• Managing business finances and cash flow (budgeting, cash flow management, planning for taxes, emergencies and growth)
• Making informed financial decisions using key financial indicators.